Helga M. Azizkhan
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Helga Marianna Azizkhan (Behnke) entered heaven on March 31, 2022 surrounded by her loving husband of 70 years, George Sr., and her adoring children and family. She was preceded in death by her son, Karl C. Azizkhan, MD, who was killed by a drunk driver in 1982 and a son John, who died at birth in 1969. She is survived by her loving husband, Reza George Azizkhan, Sr., MD, and her 5 remaining children and spouses: Richard G. Azizkhan, MD (Geralyn Brindisi), Celine Azizkhan (Vibhas Madan, PhD), Monica Gould (Robert Cassel), Theresa Burick, DO (Adam J.Burick, DO), and R. George Azizkhan, Jr., DO (Kimberley Azizkhan). She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Rick Khan, Kathryn Asad, Aaron Azizkhan, Christine DiPaolo, MD, Jasmine Gould, Ariel Gould, Esq., Matthew Burick, Ryan Burick, Timothy Azizkhan, Erika Azizkhan, Abigail Azizkhan and 4 great-grandchildren: Skye Khan, Noah and Maya Asad, and William DiPaolo. Other close relatives are Aziz Majid, DDS (Samina Majid), Angela Frank, Maureen Frank, Roweena Frank, John, Geoffrey and Julie Khan as well as family friend David Kramer.
Helga had an amazing life overcoming many challenges and difficult times. She was a true inspiration to her family and all who knew her. Her advocacy and championing for those less fortunate went back to her childhood, fighting for her life during WWII in Germany. She was separated from her family and was in a Russian interment camp for over 2 years. She escaped and made her way across eastern Germany to Helmstadt?the American Sector?traveling during the night and hiding in barns during the day. After 3 months and traveling over 350 miles she was finally united with her family. She then helped her family survive famine post WWII by working on farms and was paid in produce and milk. After the war, she emigrated to UK where she trained as a nurse and met her husband of 70 years. They had a wonderful marriage and life together living in multiple countries, including India. Helga established the first Blood Bank in Darjeeling, India, which has had a lasting positive impact an entire region of West Bengal, India.
The Azizkhans emigrated to the US in 1964 and settled in Central Pennsylvania in 1967, living on the family farm since 1968. After their son Karl was killed by a drunk driver in 1982, Helga became a national advocate against impaired driving. She helped pioneer the Tri-County Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in Central Pennsylvania. In addition to serving as MADD's chapter president for many years, she served on the board of the American Trauma Society. For several decades, her advocacy led to increase public awareness of impaired driving and public policy changes as well as changes in laws in 11 states. She received the MADD National Golden Achievement Award in 1994. For her national impact she was recognized by President George H. W. Bush as one of the 1,000 Points of Light during his presidency. She received the Crime Victim Service Award from Attorney General Janet Reno in 2000. She also was the recipient of numerous other awards.
For those who knew her, she embodied so many incredible qualities with drive, determination, resiliency, kindness, selflessness, and love. To know her was to love her and her beautiful spirit. Touching everyone she met, she would light up the room with her energy, enthusiasm, and the ability to connect with anyone. She and her husband raised their children to continue their quest to alleviate human suffering.
She was also a dedicated farmer and raised cattle which she loved dearly. She passed away peacefully on the farm where she resided for over 50 years.
Private family arrangements will be held at the Malpezzi Funeral Home and Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Mechanicsburg. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice or to MADD at 511 East John Carpenter Fwy, Irving, TX 75062 or at MADD.org/PA
To sign the online guest book, please visit www.malpezzifuneralhome.com